Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups are the perfect bite-sized holiday appetizer—creamy, colorful, sweet, and slightly tangy with the perfect savory balance. Each tortilla is filled with a smooth cream cheese mixture mixed with dried cranberries, green onions, cheddar cheese, and warm holiday seasonings. Once chilled and sliced, the roll ups reveal beautiful red-and-green swirls that look stunning on any Christmas party platter. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to disappear fast at every celebration.
Why You’ll Love These Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
You’ll love these roll ups because they are effortless yet festive. The creamy filling paired with sweet cranberries and the slight crunch of green onions creates a harmonious bite with wonderful texture and flavor. They travel well, require no baking, and can be made hours—or even a full day—in advance. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas brunch, serving appetizers before dinner, or putting together edible holiday gifts, these roll ups make entertaining simple and elegant.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you want a quick but impressive holiday dish, this recipe is an excellent choice. It uses everyday ingredients, requires minimal prep time, and can be customized to suit any crowd. The flavor profile is bright, cheerful, and perfect for the holiday season. Additionally, the roll ups slice cleanly, making them ideal for party trays or grab-and-go snacking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 8 oz cream cheese, softened
● ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
● ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
● ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
● ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
● ¼ teaspoon onion powder
● ¼ teaspoon salt
● ¼ teaspoon black pepper
● 4–5 large flour tortillas (soft taco size)
● Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
● Optional: Fresh parsley for added color
How to Make Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Creamy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cranberries, and green onions. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
2. Add Optional Crunch
Fold in chopped pecans if you’d like added texture. They pair wonderfully with the cranberries.
3. Spread the Filling
Lay out each tortilla and spread a thin, even layer of the mixture across the entire surface. Reach all the way to the edges for clean swirls once sliced.
4. Roll Tightly
Start at one end and roll each tortilla firmly into a log. The tighter the roll, the cleaner the slices will be.
5. Chill Before Slicing
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the filling firm up and makes slicing effortless.
6. Slice and Serve
Remove the wraps from the fridge, discard the plastic, and cut each roll into ½-inch slices. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or cranberries for extra holiday color.
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Roll Up Slice)
Calories: 90
Fat: 6g
Carbs: 6g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Tips for the Best Cranberry Roll Ups
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overload the filling—it prevents clean rolling.
- Chill the rolls long enough to firm the filling fully.
- Use soft tortillas; stiff ones crack when rolled.
- Add pecans for crunch and holiday flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best cheese flavor.
- Chop cranberries small so the slices look neat.
- Spread the filling edge-to-edge for perfect spirals.
- Slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Make a day ahead—the flavor improves overnight.
Variations & Substitutions
● Turkey Cranberry Roll Ups: Add thinly sliced turkey.
● Bacon Cheddar Version: Mix in crispy bacon bits.
● Sweet & Savory: Add a drizzle of honey.
● Nut-Free: Skip pecans and increase cheese.
● Herbed Version: Add fresh parsley or dill.
● Spicy Cranberry: Mix in diced jalapeños.
● Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas.
● Pomegranate Holiday Roll Ups: Add pomegranate arils for pops of color.
What to Serve With Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups
These festive bites pair beautifully with:
● Charcuterie boards
● Christmas veggie platters
● Fresh fruit trays
● Holiday punch or sparkling cider
● Finger sandwich platters
● Salads or soup for brunch
They also make wonderful additions to party snack tables, potlucks, and holiday appetizer boards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Spreading the filling too thick
● Skipping the chilling step
● Using cold, stiff tortillas
● Overloading with cranberries, causing tears
● Cutting the rolls before they firm up
Storing Tips for the Recipe
In the Refrigerator: Store sliced roll ups in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Assembled but Unsliced: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Freezing: Not recommended—tortillas become mushy.
To Meal Prep: Prepare the filling up to 3 days ahead and assemble fresh.
Conclusion
Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups bring together creamy, sweet, and savory flavors in a beautifully colorful appetizer that captures the spirit of the holidays. They’re easy to make, wonderfully customizable, and guaranteed to impress anyone at your holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a party, taking a dish to a friend, or filling out a festive snack board, these roll ups will become one of your go-to Christmas recipes.
Recipe FAQ’s
- Can I make these ahead? Yes, assemble and chill up to 24 hours before serving.
- Can I use dried cherries instead of cranberries? Absolutely.
- Do I have to use pecans? No, they’re optional.
- What kind of tortillas work best? Soft flour tortillas.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, but full-fat tastes richer.
- Why are my roll ups cracking? The tortillas were too cold or dry.
- Can I add meat? Turkey or ham work well.
- Can I freeze them? Freezing is not recommended.
- How long should they chill? At least 1 hour for clean slicing.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes—perfect for large parties.